Halifax's Unique Response to Homelessness: Regulating Encampments Instead of Evicting

In a bid to tackle homelessness, Halifax has designated sites for tent encampments, contrasting with practices in many U.S. cities. This policy reflects a growing recognition of the inadequacies of previous eviction methods while raising debate about the best way to provide support for vulnerable populations.

In the face of rising homelessness, Halifax, a city in Canada, has opted for an alternative method of managing encampments by regulating rather than evicting individuals without housing. The approach sees the city allowing designated sites for those living in tents, with city officials recognizing the dire situation as a pressing issue of the decade.

Encampment resident Andrew Goodsell recounts his experience living in a small tent on a grassy downtown patch for nearly a year. He describes the reality of life in the encampment as “depressing,” expressing a desire for more supportive facilities. Goodsell's situation highlights the struggles faced by many in Halifax, where soaring rent prices have made housing unaffordable for an increasing number of residents.

The city has designated nine encampment locations where individuals can legally set up tents, a policy that emerged following temporary approvals amid shelter capacity challenges. This method diverges sharply from practices across North America, notably in cities like California and Oregon, where authorities have turned to "street sweeps" that forcibly clear encampments. Critics argue that such measures are often violent and ineffective in addressing homelessness.

Proponents of encampment bans assert that these sites can foster disorder and that funding should be directed toward permanent housing solutions. However, many individuals living in Halifax tent sites, including Goodsell, advocate for increased investment in affordable housing, rather than the acceptance of encampments as a viable long-term solution.

Recent court decisions in Canada have affirmed the right of individuals to camp outdoors when other suitable shelter options are unavailable. In contrast, U.S. Supreme Court rulings have permitted fines and arrests of unhoused individuals even in the absence of shelter availability, enabling municipalities to impose outright bans on encampments.

Halifax reported a dramatic increase in homelessness over recent years, with the number of rough sleepers surging from just 18 in 2018 to over 200 today. The local government has taken note of the shortcomings of previous eviction strategies and is determined to address the crisis differently.

While Halifax's approach has garnered some supporters, it remains divisive. The policy has become a central issue in local political discourse, culminating in promises from mayoral candidates to end the expansion of designated encampments. Some residents living near encampments express concern over potential crime and safety issues, emphasizing the need for empathy toward both housed and unhoused individuals.

Encampment residents, while appreciative that they can avoid abrupt displacements, also report concerns about safety and access to essential services. Some have argued that volunteers provide more assistance than government outreach initiatives, prompting questions regarding the commitment to finding permanent housing solutions.

As Halifax awaits increased support for affordable housing construction from the provincial government, the city faces the difficult question of where vulnerable individuals will go in the interim. For many, including Goodsell, the struggle persists as they seek better living conditions and the opportunity to reintegrate into society.

Halifax's ongoing efforts to support its unhoused population reflect a growing awareness of homelessness’ complexities, signaling that addressing this crisis will require comprehensive and compassionate solutions.